I want to move to national politics: B S Yeddyurappa

Former chief minister and Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) president BS Yeddyurappa is networking with all parties for a pre-poll alliance.

| TNN | Jul 21, 2013, 04.25 AM IST

BANGALORE: Former chief minister and KarnatakaJanata Party (KJP) president BS Yeddyurappa is networking with all parties for a pre-poll alliance. He ruled out rejoining the BJP or merging the KJP with it and has set his sights high of having a share in the national pie.

What's happening on the move to rejoin the BJP which you quit as the atmosphere had become 'suffocating'?

I'll wait till August-end as 80% of KJP's office-bearers at a meeting recently vehemently opposed the party's merger with any party. They want the KJP to retain its identity. Besides, at the national level, the Congress, BJP and the proposed Third Front are in a state of confusion. My feeling is that after the Food Security Bill is passed in the Lok Sabha, on some pretext or the other, they will open up and there'll be clarity.

But what's your stand?

BJP leaders like HN Ananth Kumar or KS Eshwarappa or Jagadish Shettar are not sincere when it comes to rejoining. I had to leave the BJP because of these people's machinations to oust me. Even after the BJP lost the deposit in 110 assembly constituencies, they haven't realized the reality and their attitude remains the same. In such circumstances, my rejoining or merging the KJP doesn't arise.

You seem to be eager to reconnect with the BJP. Your meeting former PM H D Deve Gowda is seen as a pressure tactic...

There's no truth in that. When I spoke in the legislative assembly of the KJP, BJP, JD(S) and BSR (Congress) uniting to take on the Congress, it was just a suggestion. Yes, I wished Gowda on his birthday. I keep in touch with his children on various issues, but there are no pressure tactics.

What if the BJP puts a condition that Yeddyurappa is fine but not his confidantes?

They cannot place conditions. I'm not under anybody's obligation. I'm my own leader and take my own decisions. That question will not arise as I won't even dream of rejoining the BJP.

How are you planning the seat-sharing alliance?

I'll go to New Delhi in August to meet leaders of all parties.

Will you to talk to the Congress?

I'm not allergic to any party.

What is your ambition?

I want to play an important role in national politics. I have done my duty in Karnataka in all posts -- from opposition leader to CM.

Will you contest the Lok Sabha polls?

I haven't decided yet. I have to carve out a niche for myself. That doesn't mean I'll forget Karnataka. Apart from strengthening the KJP, I'll play a major role in national politics. I'm thinking of taking the lead to build the Third Front.

Is Narendra Modi Prime Minister material?

For present-day politics, Modi has the qualities to become the PM. Nobody can question that. I respect him.

By exploring seat alliances with your foes, you seem to have forgiven them?

Nobody is untouchable. I have to forget what others did to me. I don't want to settle scores with anyone. That's why I've withdrawn my defamation suit filed against HD Kumaraswamy. I have pardoned everyone. I want to build the KJP as a fresh person.

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